Tucson: Arizona: There are 90 total legislative seats with 2012 elections in Arizona, where polling places are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Mountain Time.[1]

In Arizona, there are six state senate districts where the partisan registration of Democratic and Republican voters is less than 10 percentage points apart. These districts would be considered "competitive" when looked at strictly with respect to vote party affiliation. The six state senate districts in Arizona are District 4, 8, 9, 10, 18 and 26.

Going into the election, Republicans in Arizona hold two-thirds of the seats in both chambers of the legislature after padding their majorities in 2010 as the party's wave swept across the nation.[2] However, redistricting following the 2010 census left many Republicans unhappy, complaining that the state redistricting commission favored Democrats and stressed creation of competitive districts, districts considered winnable by either major party, at the expense of other redistricting goals.[2] The combinations of the redistricting changes, the growing percentage of registered independents and the higher turnout in a presidential election are creating expectations that more districts are in play in 2012 and that the gains made by Republicans in 2010 were a "high tide that will recede in November."[2]

While Republicans currently have a solid majority at 21-9 in the state senate, there are five incumbent Republicans retiring, compared to three Democrats. With eight of thirty seats open, it is conceivable that Democrats could swing the chamber in their favor.

In the wake of the primary, it has been noted that the Tea Party fervor which erupted in 2010 has subsided somewhat, and the state senate may now be headed for a more centrist path after November.[3]

District 20: This seat has been left open by retiring Republican John McComish. Current House Representative Kimberly Yee (R), Democratic challenger Michael Powell (Texas), and well known Independent Doug Quelland are all thought to have a legitimate chance at winning. Quelland was formerly a Republican member of the House and will compete with Yee for the conservative vote, possibly leaving an opening for Powell.[4]